The people of Cwmaman are being asked how they want to see the closed 1890s institute brought back to life.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust wants to consult with local people before they move forward with any plans to revitalise the old Cwmaman Institute – and they are urging people to get in touch with the organisation to share their views.

This picture is dated January 29, 1988

The Trust says it has had plenty of interest in the 1892 building since its closure in October last year , and says it is important not to rush into resolving the future of the building – instead, finding out what local people want to give it a more sustainable future.

Interested parties

The Cwmaman building underwent a significant refurbishment in 2001 thanks to £3.8m of Lottery funding, but closed 14 years later with its final performance The Railway Children Lady, a look at writer E Nesbit, by Ignition Theatre.

A poster for the last-ever production at the Cwmaman Institute

Alun Taylor, head of operations Wales for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “The Trust is working together with the South Wales Miners’ Area Trust Fund, to see if there’s a positive way of buying the building and funding a new use for the building. Everything is positive regarding that.

“What’s needed is a community consultation, and we have had lots of positive comments.

“We look forward to face-to-face meetings with stakeholders in Cwmaman village in the future. We have got some interested parties in the building."

Inside the Cwmaman Institute just before it closed

Mr Taylor said plans for the building in the future will have to be different from how it has been used recently, in order to become sustainable.

'Cinema at the heart of its future'

He added: “What the South Wales Miners’ Fund doesn’t want, is to go forward without asking people. It can’t be business as usual in doing what was done before.

“It’s not just about buying the building, it needs to be a viable investment going forward.

Cwmaman Institute

“We are speaking with potential anchor tenants – one of them is arts-based consortium – while keeping the cinema function is central to our plans.

“The consultation will conclude in around a month’s time, and we want to hear the views of as many people as possible.”

To have your say on the Cwmaman Institute's future, email wales@coalfields-regen.org.uk.